Leprechaun Facts for Kids that are Fun

Lots of interesting and fun facts and trivia on the magical and legendary Irish Leprechaun fairy character for both school kids and adults to learn and discover from and enjoy.

No doubt everyone is quite familiar by now with the smiling little fellow or man like figure appearing on a very popular brand of cereal and always guarding his lucky charms. But what fun leprechaun facts for kids can we pass on and what do we really know about this magical fairy like and legendary creature? Are they actually real or are they just the creation of someone’s amazing imagination?

These funny, little bearded men and other fairies are a big part of Irish history and folklore. They are also the subject of interest for people all over the world. For many years, symbols such as: shamrocks, four-leaf clovers, the color green, rainbows and pots of gold have all been associated with this funny creature who comes from Ireland. Let's find out more about this tiny little fellow below with a top selection of facts and fun trivia for kids and adults alike.

Leprechaun Facts for Kids: What is this Irish Creature and What Do They Look Like?

A leprechaun is a type of fairy from Irish Folklore, similar to a gnome or an elf. They are small fairy folklore creatures about two feet tall resembling elves.

They normally have red beards, a black or green hat with a buckle called a cocked hat, green coat and trousers with gold buttons and shiny black shoes.

Leprechauns Look Something Like This!

Leprechauns are believed to live in the forest and are often seen near fairy mounds which are grass-covered mounds that suddenly rise up like a little hill from the ground.

These are very quick little creatures so you really have to keep your eyes open to ever see one. You can try searching for one when you're in a magical looking woodland area.

The leprechaun is associated with handcrafting since they are typically shoemakers.

They have a reputation for being a bit grouchy and are very good at avoiding being seen by people which is why you will find it hard to find and see one.

Each leprechaun has his very own pot of gold which he guards very carefully.

Just the Sort of Place You Might Expect to See a Leprechaun!

Can You Only Find Leprechauns if You are in Ireland?

Most people assume that these creatures only live in Ireland but they have amazing magic which means that they can exist in many places around the world.

It is said that wherever there are Irish people, there are Leprechauns too.

These little guys will most likely be near trees where they can hide easily from human beings. They also tend to be easily camouflaged because of all the green clothes that they wear.

Many cultures have their own version of this creature. The name "leprechaun" translates to meaning small body. So it could apply to many creatures that also have a small body like elves, sprites, pigmy’s, gnomes or dwarves even.

However, we like the traditional Irish version the best!

Make a Leprechaun Trap with Some Lucky Coins

If you are lucky enough to capture one of these bearded creatures, he has to give you his pot of gold or grant you three wishes.

The pot of gold is normally stored at the end of a rainbow.

Be very careful. Once you capture him, you must keep your eyes on him the whole time because if you look away he can vanish. Then you won't get the pot of gold.

You can capture these Irish creatures by making a leprechaun trap.

Use real or chocolate coin money as bait because they really love money and will go far to get it.

Place your trap near some trees and then wait.

Don't be upset if you don't catch one because they are very fast and very clever. They don't get caught very often.

Are Leprechauns Real or Make Believe?

And Why do they Avoid Being Seen by Humans?

Many people believe in these very cunning and bearded little fellows and say they have seen them.

Because not all people are lucky enough to see leprechauns, there are some people who sadly don't believe that they are real.

There are plenty of things that we cannot see in life. However, it doesn't mean that things don't exist just because we cannot see them.

You cannot see the wind but it is there isn't it.

Besides that, these fellows don't want to be seen or caught because they'd hate to have to give their pot of gold away!

In 1989 a pub owner in the township of Carlingford, claims to have found clothing from a leprechaun and he put them out on display in his bar. The town celebrates every year with a traditional hunt to find one.

The Vikings and Leprechauns Legend

A Legendary Tale of Why They are Right to Hide from Us

Leprechauns tend to avoid humans because, according to one very old legend, one of these kindly and magical fellows was tricked by the Vikings into revealing where the secret treasure was.

This treasure was not gold but a really beloved garden that was protected by a magic spell. The only beings that had access into this special garden were the leprechauns whose green clothing allowed them to enter unharmed.

The legend says that one of the Vikings who had been rescued when his ship was destroyed became friends with a leprechaun.

The Viking played a trick on this little fellow by pretending to be ill. The leprechaun took pity on the man, took him to his house and told him all about the special garden where treasure was hidden underneath some very large 4-leaf clovers.

The Viking devised a plan with his friends to then steal this treasure which they did. And this is why leprechauns now avoid humans and distrust them.

For that, you can blame the Vikings!

Are there Female Leprechauns?

In all the records of Irish folklore, this creature is always seen as a male. There is no mention of females at all. In Irish folklore, the females are fairies and the males are either leprechaun or wood sprites.

You may see a very small, human-like creature in your back yard, or in countryside where there are plenty of places to hide. That could very well be our little friend who wears mostly green and a top hat. Look quickly because he can vanish really fast. He loves playing tricks but doesn't want to part with his gold.